How to Replace the Brake Light Switch in a 1997 Accord

You can replace the brake light switch on your Accord without taking the car to a repair shop. Damage to the switch happens over time--it can fail or cause a short circuit. If none of the brake lights come on when the pedal is pressed, the switch may have failed. An improperly installed brake light switch can cause the brake lights to stay on constantly. In other instances, the Accords horn may sound every time you press the brake pedal, indicating a short in the brake light switch. You can replace the brake light switch in 15 minutes or less.

Instructions

Locate the brake light switch under the dashboard. You can find it by following the brake pedals metal shaft all the way to the top. The brake light switch will be directly behind the metal shaft connection for the brake pedal. The switch will be either bronze or silver colored and about 3 inches long.

Draw a line with your black marker on the threads of the brake light switch. The line is to mark the place of the retaining nut that secures the switch in position. Therefore make your line right at the base of the nut on the plunger side, not the harness side, of the brake light switch.

Detach the brake light switch's wiring harness. If you cannot do this by hand use your flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the plug loose from the harness. Remove the harness by its plug--do not pull it off by its wires.

Remove the retaining nut from the brake light switch with your wrench. Carefully remove the switch from its position under the dashboard by sliding it out of its shaft.

Inspect the new brake light switch for any visible signs of damage. Do a side-by-side comparison with the old switch to make sure your new switch is identical. Set both brake light switches side by side on a flat surface. Mark the new switch with a black line on its threads in the same spot as on the old brake light switch.

Return the new brake light switch to its shaft underneath the dashboard.

Install the retaining nut. Wind the retaining nut down until you see the black line that you made on the shaft. The switch's plunger should not be in direct contact with the brake pedals metal shaft--there should be a small gap in between the plunger and the shaft. To be sure that the gap is sufficient, slide the tip of your butter knife between the two. If you cant pass the knife in between the brake pedal shaft and plunger, the switch is too close. Turn the retaining back nut 1/2 turn and try again. Repeat until the knife passes through the gap freely.

Secure the brake light switch retaining nut with your wrench. Gently plug the switch's wiring harness back in. Test the switch to make sure the brake lights go on and off when the brake pedal is pressed and released. Ask a friend to stand at the rear of the car, or back the car near a vertical surface like a garage door, and watch through your mirror.